Ep 5. Secret World of Nebulas

In episode 5 of season 7 of How The Universe Works, viewers get an in-depth look into the Secret World of Nebulas. Nebulas are massive clouds of gas and dust in space that are the birthplace of stars and are responsible for creating some of the most stunning images captured by telescopes. But there's more to these mysterious objects than meets the eye.

The episode covers the different kinds of nebulae, from diffuse to planetary. The show explores the different ways in which each kind of nebula takes shape. For example, planetary nebulae are created when a star like our sun undergoes a catastrophic phase, shedding its outer layers in brilliant bursts of energy.

The show also delves into the different colors of nebulae. While most people are familiar with the striking pink and purple hues of some nebulae, there are other colors at play that are less visible to the naked eye. Using advanced imaging techniques, astronomers are able to uncover hidden features within these gaseous giants.

Another topic the episode covers is the role of supernovas in shaping nebulae. When some stars die, they explode in a violent supernova and release large amounts of energy that can disrupt nearby nebulae. These cosmic explosions can leave behind shell-like structures that offer insights into the chaotic nature of the universe.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Secret World of Nebulas is the way they are affected by gravity. In many cases, gravity is what causes these clouds to collapse in on themselves to form stars. But in other cases, gravitational forces can cause the dust and gas in nebulae to be pushed away, leaving behind intricate patterns and shapes.

The episode also touches on the history of studying nebulae. Early observers believed that these objects were simply clouds of gas between stars. But as technology advanced, we were able to see that these clouds were actually the birthplace of new stars. Throughout the years, scientists have continued to develop new techniques for studying nebulae, from observing in different wavelengths to sending probes into space.

Overall, the Secret World of Nebulas is a fascinating look into some of the most spectacular and mysterious objects in the universe. From the way they take shape to the way they are influenced by gravity, these cosmic clouds hold many secrets that are slowly being uncovered by astronomers and scientists around the world.